FirstEnergy Foundation Surprises Nonprofits in West Virginia with Generous Gifts of the Season

FirstEnergy Foundation's Holiday Surprise in West Virginia

In an inspiring display of generosity and community spirit, Mon Power, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp, recently surprised several local nonprofit organizations in West Virginia with significant donations totaling $19,950. As part of the FirstEnergy Foundation's annual 'Gifts of the Season' campaign, these funds aim to support and improve the quality of life for residents in underserved communities.

The Mon Power team presented unexpected donations of $6,650 each to three dedicated organizations: Libera, Inc., the West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (WVSILC), and Centers Against Violence. These contributions are intended to bolster their operations and enhance the services they provide to vulnerable populations in the region.

Impact of the Donations

Lorna Wisham, president of the FirstEnergy Foundation, expressed her pride in supporting initiatives that directly benefit the community. She stated, "We’re pleased to make these donations to organizations that are doing extraordinary work and providing meaningful support to the West Virginia communities we serve. The recipients were selected by FirstEnergy employees who identified organizations in their local areas that strengthen the community and enhance the lives of vulnerable and underserved individuals."

Libera, Inc. aims to empower young women and youth in West Virginia. Established in 2015, the nonprofit has made strides in connecting girls with resources, mentorship, and opportunities for education and employment. The organization plans to utilize the donation to progress toward establishing a community center and transitional housing facility in Morgantown, which will serve as a haven and support system for young women facing hardships. Kelsey Riggi, Libera's Director of Strategic Initiatives, remarked, "This donation is a meaningful step toward our proposed facility, providing vital resources to young women in need."

WVSILC focuses on championing the rights of individuals with disabilities, ensuring equality, independence, and the freedom of choice for West Virginians. The funds received will aid in acquiring equipment for a wellness center at their Saint Albans headquarters, enabling better health services for people with disabilities. Executive Director Jerry Boyko emphasized that this wellness center has been a long-desired project for the organization, making this donation a pivotal moment in its realization.

Centers Against Violence offers vital services to victims of various forms of violence, including domestic violence and human trafficking. This organization serves several counties in West Virginia and provides a wide array of support services, from crisis hotlines to legal advocacy. Executive Director Jennifer "JJ" Johnson expressed gratitude for the FirstEnergy Foundation’s contribution, emphasizing how it will allow the organization to better meet the needs of their clients.

Gifts of the Season

The 'Gifts of the Season' initiative, launched in 2016, was designed to align with FirstEnergy's commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The foundation is dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that reflect these values, and since its inception, the campaign has awarded approximately $1.1 million to various organizations across its service areas.

These gifts are not only a financial boost but serve as recognition for the hard work and dedication these nonprofits show daily. Nonprofits eligible for future gifts must be first-time recipients of FirstEnergy Foundation grants and align with designated diversity categories, such as being woman-owned, minority-owned, or focusing on disability inclusion.

As one of the significant players in the electric utility industry, FirstEnergy remains committed to corporate social responsibility, focusing on enhancing community welfare across the regions it serves. Mon Power currently provides electricity to around 395,000 customers across 34 counties in West Virginia, and its efforts with the FirstEnergy Foundation demonstrate a resolute commitment to social equity and community support.

For ongoing updates and insights, residents and stakeholders can follow Mon Power online to learn more about their community initiatives.